How early to arrive at Pearson?

[ONdisney]

Our flight leaves at 6:30. We are staying at a hotel naer the airport and taking a shuttle. How early should we get there? I understand that you need to go through security and then US customs. We are traveling with: Me, DH, DD6, DD4, DS1 and 2 grandparents. Yikes! We will for sure use the "special" security line for those with families.

 

[roxysmum123]

I'd be there by 4 personally, but ask your hotel what time they recommend. If they run a shuttle, then this is old hat to them and they know the process.

 

[4stroke]

ONDisney...

I agree with roxysmum too. 4am is good. The US customs hall opens at 0430 (both terminal 1 and 3), so that gives you time to checkin at the airline counter.

Most of the lineups are in the US customs hall, then the security screening. So giving your family lots of time is wise.

Definitely take advantage of the 'family' security lines too.

Good luck!

 

[5Dreamers]

I'd agree with the 4am arrival.
We had a 6:30am flight and arrived about 4am, it was just perfect.
(It was also myself, DH, our 3 kids, 2 Grandparents, and 2 carseats)
We got through check-in, customs (long line up there), security, etc and only had about a 15 minute wait to board the plane, which gave everyone time to visit the washrooms.
Hope you have a great trip!

 

[ONdisney]

Thanks for the responses. We are leaving from terminal 1 on sunwing. Do you always US customs in TO or it is sometimes in Orlando? I hear it both ways.

 

[minnie mum]

Thanks for the responses. We are leaving from terminal 1 on sunwing. Do you always US customs in TO or it is sometimes in Orlando? I hear it both ways.

We have ALWAYS precleared US customs in TO.